Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Are things breaking the Steelers' way?

While seeing the Steelers win is always a fervent desire we have a very strong ethic of not wanting to see opponents -- even Baltimore Ravens -- injured. But Monday's news that Texans' quarterback Matt Schaub is likely out for the season has been followed-up Tuesday morning with news that Kansas City QB Matt Cassel has a "serious" hand injury and may be out for the season as well.

The potential impact to the Steelers should be obvious: Houston's perch at #1 in the AFC now rides on the left arm of Matt Leinart; and the Steelers' next opponent, Kansas City, will (apparently) trot out former Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko to face his hometown team.

Pittsburgh still needs help in the form of an additional Baltimore loss, or two, and the Steelers need to do their part (i.e. win!). However, a path to the #1 seed is beginning to emerge; and here's hoping the Black & Gold can seize the opportunity.

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Steelers @ Cincinnati: The Weekly Matchup

Chastened, and having fallen from #1 in the AFC standings to #6 with the loss to Baltimore, Pittsburgh takes on a rejuvenated Cincinnati team that leads the AFC Central. While some will be quick to point out that the Bengals record has been achieved against opponents whose collective record is 26-34, defenders of the Bengals might observe that the Steelers' opponents have combined for a record of 33-41. Moreover, against teams whose winning percentage is better than .500, the Steelers have exactly one victory.

Sunday, November 06, 2011

Baltimore vs. Steelers: Instant Analysis, fourth quarter

The opportunities were there, and the Steelers finally put together 13:30 of good football; but the inability of the defense to get off the field on third (or fourth) down, combined with a poorly thrown pass to Mewelde Moore on third down of the Steelers' second-to-last possession cracked the door for Baltimore.

One final note: Steelers fans everywhere please don't bother blaming the officials. Walt Coleman and his crew simply are not responsible for this loss. Inconsistent play, and an inability of the Pittsburgh defensive secondary to stop Baltimore on third down is.

Baltimore vs. Steelers: Instant Analysis, second quarter

Third down conversions by Baltimore -- 7 for 11 in the first half -- continue to be a huge difference in the game. While the Steelers' defense has limited the damage to four field goal attempts, they have to find a way to get off the field. Also, missed opportunities -- two dropped interceptions one forced fumble -- are not helping matters.

As for the offense, missed opportunities are the entire story. Unable to sustain drives (11:47 in time of possession in the first half), the defense is spending far too much time of the field.

Baltimore vs. Steelers: Instant Analysis, first quarter

Until the complete pass to Heath Miller with 2:00 left in the quarter it wasn't at all clear that the Steelers would make a first down in the quarter. Baltimore simply dominated the stat sheet; without lighting-up the scoreboard the way they did in week one.

As it was, Baltimore had the football for 11:23 to the Steelers 3:37, and was 5 for 7 (71.4%) on third down conversions. Meanwhile, the Steelers' first possession ended prematurely as the they were unable to gain one yard after gaining nine on their first play. Offensively, there's more room for improvement than can be covered here and now.

On the defensive side of the ball the Steelers' line appeared to be overpursuing far too much; and it was fortunate that players like James Harrison and Troy Polamalu were doing a solid job of staying home, and limiting the gains by Ray Rice and Ricky Williams.